LOS ANGELES - Snoop Dogg says he was shocked at being denied a British visa this week, although he remains hopeful authorities will allow him to share a "message of love and harmony.''

"I was shocked by the decision but am optimistic that the British authorities will soon realize my global efforts to promote peace and grant me the opportunity to come back for my fans,'' the rapper said Wednesday during an interview for the documentary "In Prison My Whole Life.''

The 35-year-old rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, has been touring Europe with Sean "Diddy'' Combs. The duo was forced to cancel British dates after authorities denied the visa.

Segments of Broadus' interview were released Thursday by a publicist for actor Colin Firth, who is producing the documentary on death row inmate Mumia Abu Jamal. The interview had been scheduled for London but was filmed in Amsterdam instead.

Legal troubles are not new for Broadus, who was also barred entry into Britain in May 2006.

In April 2006, he and five others were arrested on charges of violent disorder and starting a brawl after a fight erupted when members of the rapper's group were denied entry to British Airways' first-class lounge at Heathrow Airport.

The case was resolved when police said Broadus accepted responsibility and they declined to take further action.